China: APEC Business Travel Card Validity Extended

To facilitate business travel within the Asia-Pacific region, China will extend the maximum permitted stay for APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders in China from 60 days to 90 days, effective November 1, 2026. The ABTC provides significant advantages for business travelers from participating Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies. With the ABTC, cardholders can travel freely between member countries without the need to obtain individual business visas for each trip, which greatly reduces the time, cost and administrative burden associated with frequent cross-border travel. Additionally, they benefit from expedited immigration processing, including access to special lanes at airports, although the level of convenience and border clearance infrastructure may differ depending on the country. The card is typically valid for five years, minimizing the need for frequent visa renewals. Furthermore, business travelers are vetted and pre-approved before the card is issued, ensuring smoother entry procedures upon arrival.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.